THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. In a few weeks, our country will mark the four-year anniversary of the attacks of September the 11th, 2001. On that day, we learned that vast oceans and friendly neighbors no longer protect us from those who wish to harm our people. And since that day, we have taken the fight to the enemy.

We have combated terrorists on the home front by disrupting terror
cells and their financial support networks. We're fighting the
terrorists in Afghanistan, Iraq, and around the world, striking them in
foreign lands before they can attack us here at home. And we're
spreading the hope of freedom across the broader Middle East. By
advancing the cause of liberty in a troubled region, we are bringing
security to our own citizens and laying the foundations of peace for our
children and grandchildren.

In this war, our nation depends on the courage of those who wear the
uniform. During the coming weeks, I will meet with some of the brave
men and women who have been on the front lines in the war on terror.
Next week in Idaho, I will visit with some of the fine citizen soldiers
of the Idaho National Guard. I will also see the men and women of the
Mountain Home Air Force Base who played a leading role in the air
campaign in Afghanistan after the September the 11th attacks. I will
thank all of them for their service in the war on terror and I will
thank the families who make their essential work possible.

Our troops know that they're fighting in Iraq, Afghanistan, and
elsewhere to protect their fellow Americans from a savage enemy. They
know that if we do not confront these evil men abroad, we will have to
face them one day in our own cities and streets, and they know that the
safety and security of every American is at stake in this war, and they
know we will prevail.

Next week, in Utah, I will also address the Veterans of Foreign Wars
Convention and thank the proud veterans who have given today's troops
such a noble example of devotion and courage. At the end of the month,
I will join our veterans and current service members in San Diego to
commemorate the 60th anniversary of V-J Day, the day that ended World
War II, the bloodiest conflict in human history.

The veterans of World War II defended America when ruthless foes
threatened our freedom and our very way of life. And after winning a
great victory, they helped former enemies rebuild and form free and
peaceful societies that would become strong allies of America. The
World War II generation endured great suffering and sacrifice because
they understood that defeating tyranny in Europe and Asia was essential
to the security and freedom of America.

Like previous wars we have waged to protect our freedom, the war on
terror requires great sacrifice from Americans. By their courage and
sacrifices, today's soldiers, sailors, airmen, Coast Guardsmen and
Marines are taking their rightful place among the heroes of history, and
the American people are thankful and proud. In this war, many of these
brave men and women have given their lives to defend their fellow
citizens and to bring the hope of freedom to millions who have not known
it. We owe these fallen heroes our gratitude, and we offer their
families our heartfelt condolences and prayers.

Now we must finish the task that our troops have given their lives for
and honor their sacrifice by completing their mission. We can be
confident in the ultimate triumph of our cause, because we know that
freedom is the future of every nation and that the side of freedom is
the side of victory.